When asked about upcoming challenges Straziuso mentioned the Davis-Sterling act, flood remediation and four new board members with no previous board experience. (Gioia took Dr. John Paulus' place a few months ago, while three others were just elected.)

"We have three newly elected board members who have a lot of business experience, but no HOA board experience," Straziuso said. "Getting them oriented to how we do business will definitely be a challenge."

"The flood remediation is still hanging over our heads and we are attempting to formalize our meetings' rules to conform to the Davis-Sterling Act," he said. "It's a whole new way of doing business and everyone needs to get on board."

United Mutual

United Mutual held its annual meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 9 and elected its new board positions: Incumbent Roger Turner, president (in a 6-5 secret ballot vote over new board member Phil Doran); Catherine Brians, first vice president by a 6-5 vote (over new board member Erna Ferris); Phil Doran elected by acclamation as second vice president; Charles Hammer elected by acclamation as secretary. In a 6-5 vote, Mary Stone was elected as treasurer, over new director Pat English.

After the voting, individual director's comments ranged from "thanks for your support," to "we promise transparency," to "let's all get along."

President Turner addressed the audience.

"Together we have a lot of talent and a lot of experience and as a team we can achieve a lot," he said.

When asked about upcoming challenges, Turner said in an email:

"The most basic challenge will be responsible continuity. Translated, this means operating responsibly within the 2013 budget, carefully watching the maintenance of our manors and landscaping, disciplining members as necessary, to preserve our quality of life, and guarding against legal challenges to our corporation - that could harm all of us.

"At the same time, we want to look ahead - to make sure we do not get behind. The challenge will be to identify meaningful changes, implement measured steps to enable us to evaluate the cost and the gains, communicate our plans to the members, and help our members understand the governing process. There are many steps and safeguards in our operating structure - which control the rate of change. The challenge will be a sense of urgency to move forward in a responsible manner."

Before the newly elected board was seated, outgoing President Ron Beldner told the audience that one thing the outgoing board was most proud of in 2012, was that it "held the line on assessments, with an increase of only 25 cents per manor, without a cut in services."

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